Cymryd Rhan

On joining the Royal Navy in 1958 I became involved with the RN Athletic Cub, of which I am a Life Member, as an athlete. I did no coaching or officiating during this time. On leaving active service in 1981 I moved to Essex where I joined Chelmsford Athletic Club as a Vet. Athlete. At this point I asked to become involved with officiating on the Track.

I established myself in the officiating team that travelled with the Chelmsford Senior Men and Women teams. This was a most enjoyable period because I was involved with the Club both as an athlete and as an official. I moved to Gloucestershire in 2013 and offered my services to Gloucester, Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean Clubs as an official as an when required. I also contacted the Cross Country Secretary. Most of my officiating in Gloucester has been with Cheltenham and The Forest of Dean clubs and all of the cross country races since I came to the county. My involvement with Welsh Athletics has only been in the past four years when I asked to officiate at indoor meetings to experience the difference from outdoor meets. I am pleased I did because it has been a very rewarding time and have met some nice people. My involvement in Welsh Athletics continued into the outdoor season until this terrible time. I have been robbed of this season, my 40th, but hope to continue when we come out of this pandemic and get back to something approaching normal.

The main thing I have noticed since coming down to Gloucestershire is the informal dress of the officials. In Southern Counties we had to wear a white shirt, tie and blazer - at my first meeting in Gloucester at Yate I was the most photographed official because I was dressed in blazer and tie and 'stood our a bit'. I am more casual now!

There are no major athletic highlights, all have been special.